Wheelchair athletes and enthusiasts from across the country will gather at the University of Houston for a four-day wheelchair rugby summer camp. The event is planned from June 26-29 at the University of Houston Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.

Participants—men and women—will learn about the game, enhance their skills and meet other athletes. They’ll also demonstrate what they’ve learned in several games during the camp.

Three veteran coaches will be on hand to guide participants. Those include Chuck Aoki, a member of the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby National Team who also participated in the 2012 Paralympics in Beijing.

Sponsored by the UH Adaptive Athletics @ UH student organization, housed in the Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP), participants ages 14 – 25 year –old with a disability in three or more limbs are eligible. Adaptive Athletics will try to accommodate those who do not have a rugby wheelchair.

“We are excited to host athletes of all levels, and with an outstanding coaching staff we have no doubt that every athlete will leave a better wheelchair rugby player than when they arrived,” said Michael Cottingham, program director and HHP professor. “The sport is thrilling, the hits are intense, and the athletes are here to play. Come out and see the sport and have your perceptions of disability changed.”

This is the second year of the camp hosted by Adaptive Athletics @ UH. The successful reception of the sport encouraged the organization to offer several tournaments on campus.

“It’s great to see people become excited about the sport, especially those who’ve never seen it played,” said Serjio Brereda, co-founder of Adaptive Athletics. “I hope this momentum continues.”